King Aethelred’s grip on the English throne grows more precarious by the day. His misguided policies—shaped by his inner circle of bishops—have not brought peace, but instead opened the floodgates to further Viking incursions. Sweyn Forkbeard, the fearsome battle-king of the Danes, is growing ever more bloodthirsty and relentless in his quest to conquer England….
Rachel's Random Resources
Lincoln by VH Nicolson | Book Review
Lincoln is on a journey of self-discovery, nudged by his father to leave everything familiar behind and spend time in America. During his final six weeks in Santa Monica, he crosses paths with Violet—an encounter that quickly begins to shift the course of his life in ways he never expected. Violet is strong, independent, and…
The Lavender Bride by Alexandra Weston | Book Review
This book is set against the backdrop of Hollywood in its glory days. Back when McCarthyism was prevalent and so was rising star Marilyn Monroe. Add in atomic testing, international unrest after the war and you get the idea of what Audrey is facing as she moves from Sheffield, UK to Hollywood. Audrey dreams of…
The Case of the Christie Conspiracy by Kelly Oliver | Book Review
The Case of the Christie Conspiracy is a brilliantly crafted historical cozy mystery that seamlessly blends real-life intrigue with a compelling original storyline. While Agatha Christie’s famous disappearance serves as a fascinating backdrop, the true star of the novel is Eliza Baker, a sharp and unconventional protagonist whose determination and intellect make for an engaging…
Careful What You Hear by Helen Dunlap Newton | Book Review
Noah lost his hearing in an accident a year ago, but after receiving a cochlear implant, he gained an unexpected ability—he can read people’s thoughts. While that might sound like a superpower, it quickly becomes overwhelming, and to pay for his medical bills, he secretly takes on work for the government. Careful What You Hear…
The Paris Dancer by Nicola Rayner | Book Review
This was a beautifully written, deeply emotional, and utterly compelling story that showcased the strength and resilience of women. From the very first page, I was completely engrossed in the lives of Miriam and Annie, eagerly turning the pages while bracing myself for the emotional impact—especially as the story reached its heart-wrenching conclusion. I loved…
The House of Echoes by Alexandra Walsh | Book Review
The House of Echoes is a captivating dual-timeline novel that masterfully weaves the present with the past, taking readers from modern-day Pembrokeshire to the tumultuous Tudor era. Rich in historical detail, the story follows Caroline Harvey, who, after the death of her famous grandfather, uncovers a centuries-old connection to Anne Brandon—a woman who fled the…
The Man She Married by Alison Stockham | Book Review
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! From the start, it’s clear that secrets are being kept from Beth, but the reader is just as much in the dark. As the story unfolds, we get to piece things together alongside Beth, adding to the suspense and intrigue. What makes this story especially fascinating is that Beth’s memories…
The Storyteller’s Daughter by Victoria Scott | Book Review
This book follows a dual timeline, with one set in 1940/41 and the other in 2008/09. As usual, I found myself drawn more to the earlier timeline. The story alternates between the perspectives of two main female characters: Nita, a determined reporter in the past, and her great-niece, Beth, in the present. Nita’s journey was…
Miss Anna and the Earl by Catherine Tinley | Book Review
Anna has formed a budding connection with the Earl of Garvald, described in the book as a tendre. While the term feels perfectly suited to the story’s historical tone, in modern terms, it could be seen as a fondness or a mild crush. With her sisters happily settled, Anna is content to enjoy a blossoming…
